Today Council President Sara Nelson (Position 9), joined by key Seattle-area providers, announced her resolution to dedicate up to 25% of any proposed sales tax increase for a progressive public safety initiative that will shore up “pathways to recovery” through investment in critical addiction treatment services. The Washington State Legislature authorized local jurisdictions to increase the local sales and use...
Sara Nelson
News Releases from Councilmember Nelson
Council gives final go-ahead to install interactive kiosks in neighborhood business districts
From bus schedules to emergency alerts – will offer visitors, residents a variety of on-demand information Today, the City Council approved by a 6-2 vote an ordinance granting the Downtown Seattle Association (DSA) permission to install and operate interactive media kiosks in neighborhood business districts around Seattle. CB 120992 is sponsored by Council President Sara Nelson (Position 9), Chair of...
City Council announces application process and key dates for District 5 seat vacancy
Today City Council President Sara Nelson (Position 9) confirmed the formal process to fill the vacant Council seat after the resignation of Councilmember Cathy Moore (District 5), effective July 7. Councilmembers were given a presentation on the procedure and what to expect earlier this week during Council Briefing. Interested candidates may apply beginning Wednesday, July 2 at 8 a.m. through Wednesday, July 9 by...
Council approves Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise Levy renewal package for November ballot
Levy expands investments in early education, continues K-12 academic and health supports, and universal access to a two-year college degree Today the City Council unanimously voted to send the Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise (FEPP) Levy renewal to the November 2025 ballot for voters to consider. The review process was led by Select Committee Chair Maritza Rivera (District 4). “These...
Seattle City Councilmembers urge peaceful demonstrations ahead of weekend gatherings
Today in anticipation of the large demonstrations scheduled for this weekend, Council President Sara Nelson (Position 9), Councilmember Joy Hollingsworth (District 3), and Councilmember Bob Kettle (District 7) released the following joint statement. This morning, Council President Nelson also joined state and local leaders at a press conference discussing public safety preparations. Seattle fully supports the right for people to...
Council OKs first step in siting interactive kiosks
Today the City Council approved 7-2 an amended resolution that paves the way for permitting the siting of digital kiosks in neighborhood business districts around the city, in partnership with the Downtown Seattle Association (DSA). Council President Sara Nelson (Position 9) has been the prime sponsor of the kiosk rollout which will provide an interactive public information source for residents...
Council President Sara Nelson’s statement on resignation of Councilmember Cathy Moore
City Council President Sara Nelson (Position 9) released this statement following Councilmember Cathy Moore’s (District 5) announcement today that she will step away from her seat, effective July 7. “Councilmember Moore’s decision to leave the City Council is disappointing news, but I respect and support her choice,” said Council President Nelson. “I want to express my appreciation for her...
Transportation Chair Saka bill sets up expansion of Traffic Safety Cameras
Approved legislation reserves privacy protections while advancing Vision Zero safety goals City Councilmember Rob Saka (District 1), Chair of the Transportation Committee, celebrates passage of legislation he sponsored, by an 8-0 Council vote, that expands the use of automated traffic safety cameras in the city. The bill establishes additional uses for traffic cameras to increase safety, creates a new Automated...
Council President Nelson introduces proposal for rollout of interactive kiosks
Today, City Council President Sara Nelson (Position 9), Chair of the Governance, Accountability & Economic Development (GAED) Committee, will hear a briefing on a resolution to permit the siting of digital kiosks in neighborhood business districts around the city, in partnership with the Downtown Seattle Association (DSA). The interactive kiosks will provide a variety of information for residents and tourists...
Council President Sara Nelson statement on passage of new after-hours lounge safety regulations
Today, Council President Sara Nelson (Position 9) released the following statement on the 6-0 vote to approve legislation establishing new safety regulations for nightlife lounges operating after 2 a.m. Over the past decade, there have been dozens of shootings and homicides that have occurred in connection with these venues. CB 120956 was co-sponsored by Council President Nelson. “Unregulated after-hours lounges...
Council President Sara Nelson statement on Dept. of Health and Human Services cuts and Seattle regional office closure
Today, Council President Sara Nelson (Position 9) issued the following statement on Tuesday’s closure of the Region 10 office of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in Seattle. The HHS Region 10 office serves Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska. “This level of funding and staff cuts to public health services is unconscionable. This will hurt Seattle. There’s no...
Council President Sara Nelson celebrates passage of Shield Law and other state protections
Measure taken in direct response to federal actions, resident concerns Today, Council President Sara Nelson (Position 9) praised legislation passed by the full Council strengthening protections from harmful federal actions, specifically for people seeking reproductive health care and gender-affirming treatment. The amended bill, co-sponsored with Councilmember Cathy Moore (District 5) and Councilmember Maritza Rivera (District 4), creates a firewall preventing...